88--Intent to Sole Source: Charles River

This acquisition is being conducted under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) SUBPART 13.5-Test Program for Certain Commercial Items. The United States Army Medical Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with Charles River Inc, 251 Ballardvale Street, Wilmington, MA 01887-1096, as the only responsible source that can provide the specialized items needed to fulfill this requirement. NAICS 112990/$0.75. USAMRAA will issue a firm-fixed price requirements-type award, as specified under FAR 16.503. Estimated total value is $4.5 million for a base year plus three option years award. This is a logical follow-on requirement to procure commercially available standard and modified (via surgery) research animals (guinea pigs, mice, rats, rabbits) for on-going long-term research studies. In order to establish reproducible results, animals must come from the same genetic background and source. USAMRICD has historically used Charles River to obtain a variety of research animals necessary to perform mission requirements of USAMRICD. Since USAMRICD animal models rely on data from animals previously procured from Charles River, only animals from this company have the same genetic makeup and are raised under the same environmental conditions. Additionally, on-going research efforts with established proof-of-concept can only be met using Charles River-provided animals. The contract currently in place to fulfill these needs is, W81XWH-11-D-0030. Unless the award is issued to Charles River substantial duplication of cost to the Government will be incurred and this cost is not expected to be recovered through competition. Any responses, in writing, to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition will be advantageous to the Government. In doing so, interested sources must submit technical capabilities, pricing, and other information which demonstrates the ability to meet the Government's need. This information must be received no later than the 15th day after this notice is posted. A determination by the Government not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Detailed capabilities may be emailed (using PDF, MS Word, Excel attachments) to Jacklyn McGurk, email: [email protected], or FAX 410-436-4863 ATTN Jacklyn McGurk. Statements are due no later than 25 APR 2014 at 1200hrs EDT. The announcement will close 12 MAY 2014 at 1200hrs EDT.